South London

As of May 2026, London, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Croydon have 2,108 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in South London generates £20K per year. High-performing properties earn £46K/year, while low-performing properties earn £7K/year. The stark variance between top and bottom earners suggests that market revenue is highly concentrated, reflecting a divergence in how properties capture localized demand despite the overall contraction in supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in South London. Average annual revenue is £20K with 37% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £46K/year. With a 16% year-over-year reduction in supply, the significant revenue ceiling for top-tier units highlights an opportunity for existing hosts to capture share as less competitive inventory exits the market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in South London is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £159, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £36 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in South London, with annual revenue of £45K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the South London market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the South London area. London: Moderate. 90-day annual limit for entire homes, registration required via planning portal. Enforcement exists but patchy; many hosts exceed limits with minimal consequences. Kingston upon Thames: Moderate. Subject to London's 90-day rule, planning permission needed beyond that. Light enforcement; violations rarely prosecuted. Richmond: Moderate. Same 90-day London rule applies, planning permission for longer lets. Enforcement sporadic and complaint-driven. Croydon: Moderate. 90-day cap applies, registration needed. Minimal active enforcement; hosts often operate beyond limits. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The South London Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 20%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The concurrent drop in both metrics points to a market-wide recalibration where lower demand is being met with a corresponding reduction in available listings.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak fall season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -55% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in South London listings include: Kitchen (95%), Tv (91%), Heating (82%), Washing Machine (78%), Private Yard (44%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 80% more (£62K/year vs £34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in South London over the last 12 months: May: £1K, June: £1K, July: £1K, August: £1K, September: £1K, October: £1K, November: £1K, December: £1K, January: £761, February: £756, March: £993, April: £1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in South London is £159, up 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £107/night, 2-bedroom properties average £160/night, 3-bedroom properties average £247/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £400/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in South London book an average of 28 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 30 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the South London Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 16%, revenue per listing decreased 20%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 15%, and lead time decreased 26%. These shifts indicate a trend toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing premiums, suggesting that travelers are increasingly booking closer to their stay dates.

In South London, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 6% higher occupancy than weekdays.